The Mets have been trying to bring back Pete Alonso in free agency. However, he is not the only key Met from last season on the market.
Jose Iglesias is also a free agent. Iglesias quickly became beloved by Mets fans for creating what essentially became the Mets’ anthem, “OMG.” While predicting landing spots for the top remaining free agents, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller predicted the Mets would re-sign both Alonso and Iglesias.
“Between his career-best 3.1 bWAR in 85 games played, the fact that his OMG song was the Mets anthem last season and the uncertainty at third base with Brett Baty, it is completely baffling that the Mets have not re-signed Iglesias,” wrote Miller.
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Baty’s inconsistency at the plate makes signing Iglesias almost a no-brainer. Iglesias slashed .337/.381/.830 in 85 games for the Mets. The former All-Star also plays solid defense. As for Alonso, the Mets seem to be involved in a two-horse race with the Toronto Blue Jays for his services.
“Toronto has entered the chat in a big way over the past week, though recent history tells us that when the Blue Jays start getting mentioned as one of the finalists for one of the most coveted free agents, it just means we’re getting close to that player finally signing with someone else,” wrote Miller. “Alonso re-signing with the Mets has always felt like the likeliest outcome, even after they signed Jesse Winker and seemed to be moving on sans Polar Bear.”
Alonso has been a key player for the Mets since he made his debut. He is a four-time All-Star and has hit more home runs than anyone not named Aaron Judge since he entered the league. Miller noted that Alonso could earn a three-year, $75 million deal at this point in the offseason.
Bringing back Alonso and Iglesias for 2025 would give the Mets a great shot at reaching the World Series. Essentially bringing back all of their key players and adding Juan Soto could have the Mets playing in the Fall Classic.
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